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Home My WebLink AboutTimes Advocate, 1995-03-01, Page 26i'uxt, 1i. Times -Advocate, March 1, 1995 FAMILY What exactly is a women's centre? By Catherine Armour Women Today - Goderieh Many times I am asked to describe what ex- actly a women's centre is, and in particular Women Today? By definition women's centres are vital in providing information, programs and support to women. Across Canada, they have been instrumental in bringing issues such as wom- en's health, violence and equity issues to the atten- tion of the community at Targe. Centres, like Women Today, have been partly responsible for the development of shelters, family resource centres and many more services in our community. A question I am often asked is, "Why a women's centre, why not a men's centre or a people's centre?" Women's centres are unique in that they operate from a feminist perspective. They give ownership and au- thority to all women to work cooperatively to seek solutions and solve problems. Each centre, across Canada, determines its own structure based on these and other feminist principles. It is the opposite of the model we usually see which emphasizes expertise, competition, ex- clusiveness!and top-down ownership. Women's centres work directly with women and the community at large, when appropriate, to determine the issues and needs of concern and to take action. Currently, Women Today is working in areas of immigrant families, parenting education and education and training. Also, in conjunction with the Coordinating Committee Against Woman Abuse, Women To- day organizes Take Back the Night, the December 6th Vigil and Inter- national Women's Day. Not only does a.women's centre give women a forum through which they can voice concerns but it also provides a place for them to do something about these concerns as well. This is part of the uficssage of empowerment that women centres give to women. It is a message that women can take control of their own physical, mental and emotional health. By working together we can change things for all women. Often women experience a sense of isolation from other women and men. At times, each of us feel as though we are the only one who has lived through whatever we are experiencing in our lives. Going to a women's centre, one discovers that "they are not the only one" and that others share their concerns and experiences. Feelings of isolation and helplessness can be overcome with the knowledge that "others have been there too". This opportunity for sharing with and gaining support from peers is centre to the purpose of a women's centre. In many communities a women's centre is the only place a woman can turn to for support. Someone to talk to and a place to gain information on issues ranging from "womb to tomb" as one woman put it. A woman does not become part of the social services network when she goes to the women's centre. There is no reporting and no one tells her what to do. Information, options and support are offered. A women's cen- tre ensures privacy and safety to a woman who needs someone to talk to. Sometimes the service a women's centre provides is as simple, yet es- sential as that. Lastly, Women Today adheres to a code of confidentiality. This means that any information related to a personal history or present circum- stances is not open for public discussion or scrutiny. All groups that meet at Women Today adhere to this policy as well. Because we deal with so many different issues women feel safe coming to the centre becaue no one has to know why they are here. Women need women -positive and women -only services to address their concerns and needs. Women centres are the best organizations to ad- dress women's needs at a community level. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • el • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • e • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ID)(CI�I :RTS /AT YGUIR$ R\V1CIE Count on these fine firms dor quality, value and service ABATTOI R L ABATTOIR J CUSTOM KILLING and S'AUGHTERING Kill Day - Tuesday Specializing in home cured and smoked meat V e a l s Abattoir and Meat Market 235-1123 r BUILDER —1 A DENOMME CONSTRUCTION LTD. •Custom Homes • Aluminum & Vinyl Siding • Rooting "-'O°° • Additions-CO1O1—` Dashwcod 237-3516 , BUILDER ABATTOIR ABATTOIR Metzger Farms Meat Market Mill St. Hensall 262-3130 Kill day Tuesday Wholesale and Freezer Orders Specializing in cold cuts Visit our Retail Store AUDIO VIDEO /EXETER VIDEO -AUDIO SER VICES tV Weddings V Transfers V Conventions, meetings etc,. 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